DOVER — It’s been cold all week and warmer weather isn’t even remotely around the corner — with temperatures dipping below freezing during the day and plunging into the single digits at night.

But what should folks do to properly prepare for the cold, and who can they call when something goes wrong?

It’s crucial to stay warm, but fireplaces and heating units have to be used correctly to avoid causing fires.

When using a fireplace, one should make sure the chimney is free of debris and that all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly, according to Jody Provencher, deputy chief at the Dover Fire Department.

If using portable space heaters, people should familiarize themselves with their proper operation and strictly adhere to required minimum clearances to keep combustibles from any such units.

Frozen pipes are another common problem fire departments deal with in frigid temperatures. If the temperature in pipes drops below 32 degrees, the water freezes, expanding and breaking the pipes causing leaks and flooding.

Provencher says his department gets many calls when temperatures rise and people then notice the leaks. In Dover, Provencher says the Fire Department can clear the pipes of water to stop the leaks as well as give advice on who to call to repair or replace broken pipes. However, it’s important to prevent this situation by making sure the temperature inside the house remains above freezing and that pipes are well insulated.

Provencher also advises people to not warm up cars in their garage, which can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as making sure to keep their pets inside and to use common sense when it’s exceptionally cold out.

“It’s amazing what we see in the cold weather,” he said.

During extended periods of cold weather in past years, the city has opened shelters for those without adequate heat, according to Provencher. However, this is not yet scheduled for this week and a decision will be made only if the region experiences several days of freezing temperatures.

As for motor vehicles, Chris Dupont of Dupont Service Center suggests making sure fuel tanks are kept more than half full, all fluids are topped off, and engine oil is fresh. Tire pressure should be kept high, since pressure drops as temperature plummet. Car batteries should also be checked, as a low charge is the main cause of engines not turning over on cold mornings.

Dupont said all of these can be checked for free at the center on Sumner Drive.

For those without adequate shelter from the cold, Dover Police Lt. Carey Beaulieu says residents should call if they see someone on the street in need of shelter. After being notified or if an officer comes across someone without a place to stay, police will investigate the situation and find a local shelter to safely house the individual.

“However, most solutions we have are temporary.” Beaulieu said. “The underlying causes of homelessness need to be addressed.”

My Friend’s Place in Dover offers emergency shelter for those in need.

Jim Ranagan of the Homeless Center for Strafford County, which is unable to offer emergency shelter, said his best suggestion is to call the Police Department or 211, a toll-free United Way-funded number that will help people without homes find temporary safety from the cold.